Zakaria Zubeidi is being held without charge by Palestinian security forces, and supporters say he could die within days

The Palestinian militant turned theatre director Zakaria Zubeidi has resumed a total hunger strike in protest at his continued detention without charge by Palestinian security forces, and his supporters say he could die within days.

Zubeidi, who publicly renounced armed struggle in 2006 in favour of cultural resistance, has been held in prison in Jericho since 13 May after being detained in a wave of arrests in his home city of Jenin. He has not been charged with any offence.

He received assurances that he would be released, but at a court hearing on Monday his detention was extended by a further 19 days. He declared that he would refuse all food, fluids and medical attention.